The prosperity gospel seems to be catching hold in American churches, with many placing an emphasis on building wealth. Can you help me defend my position that the Bible does not support this theology? As a Crown supporter, I want to see your message expand. 

Faithful Stewardship

Dear Faithful Stewardship, 

The Bible does not support the teaching of the prosperity gospel, nor does it support the opposite extreme, the poverty gospel. We cannot demand of God, nor should we, that He make us rich with the treasures of this world. We should also not condemn wealth as sinful or rich people as greedy and evil. 

The Scripture teaches us to be responsible with what we have, whether a lot or a little (Matthew 25:14–30). The biblical standard is to be faithful to the Lord with our financial choices because it all belongs to Him and we are temporary stewards. But as you note, many Christians are shifting their emphasis to laying up treasures on Earth, not in Heaven. 

The Final Warning Is About Money 

While the church in Laodicea existed nearly two thousand years ago, its condition feels eerily familiar today. The city of Laodicea is mentioned in the New Testament—in Colossians 2, Colossians 4, and, most famously, Revelation 3. It was one of the wealthiest cities in the Roman world, known for banking, textiles, and medicine. After a devastating earthquake in A.D. 60, the city became so prosperous that it refused financial assistance from Rome, choosing instead to rebuild itself. It had become fiercely self-sufficient. And prosperity shaped its spiritual life.

In Revelation 3:17, Jesus told the church, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

Their greatest problem wasn’t wealth; it was misplaced dependency. Their self-sufficiency convinced them they no longer needed to depend on God; they were blind to their desperate poverty in the eyes of the Lord. This is a repudiation of the false teaching of the prosperity gospel. 

Ask Chuck Is The Prosperity Gospel Wrong

Americans Compare to the Laodiceans 

Financial success can subtly move our trust from the Lord to our income, investments, retirement accounts, or possessions. Oh, we may still profess faith yet quietly depend on “our” resources while failing to recognize and honor God’s provision.

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians included a message to the believers in Laodicea. Look carefully at what he said about riches: 

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments (Colossians 2:1–4 ESV, emphasis mine).

To protect the church from the deception of worldly riches, Paul was pointing out that all the riches and treasures that have eternal value are found in Christ. I like to say that the real riches we need are all the things that money cannot buy. 

Paul’s concern for the believers in Laodicea, expressed in Colossians, was that they would remain firmly rooted in Christ and not be taken captive by worldly thinking. That’s the antidote to financial self-sufficiency. Yet we read in Revelation 3 that the Laodiceans were deceived by their temporal riches to the point they believed they had no need for Christ. 

We Are Called to Be Responsible With Money

Biblical stewardship is living in the reality that everything we have belongs to God. We are managers, not owners. Wealth is a gift to be used wisely, held loosely, and shared generously.

The question isn’t whether God will bless us with resources. The question is whether those resources will draw us closer to Christ or cause us to live as though we no longer need Him.

The danger occurs when self-sufficiency finds its way into the Church. Jesus looks beyond bank accounts and into hearts. What captures our affection? On whom or what do we depend? Where is our ultimate trust?

Our greatest security must never be found in wealth but in the One who gives it.

A Gift, Not a God 

We live in a culture that celebrates independence, financial success, and self-reliance. We have unprecedented access to wealth, technology, entertainment, and convenience. Yet despite our abundance, we suffer with unprecedented levels of anxiety, loneliness, debt, and spiritual apathy.

Wealth is a gift—not a god. It can meet certain needs but not the most important ones. Everything we own belongs to the Lord, and every blessing should draw us closer to Him, not farther away.

The church in Laodicea wasn’t condemned because it was wealthy but because it no longer recognized its need for Christ. May we never become so financially secure that we fail to depend on the One who provides “every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17).

Are you interested in receiving ministry updates from around the world? Do you want helpful and encouraging tools and tips on financial stewardship? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on July 3, 2026.

The post Ask Chuck: Is the Prosperity Gospel Wrong? appeared first on Crown Financial Ministries.

I’m tired of watching my sisters bum off my grandmother’s generosity. They ask her for money for everything, even though they are married and should be supporting themselves. It looks like financial abuse to me. I have kept silent, but I really hope you can give me some tips to be ready to speak up.

Protecting My Grandmother from Financial Abuse

Dear Protecting My Grandmother from Financial Abuse,

As with every question, I always wish I had more context, such as ages, financial condition, motivations for the requests, etc. However, there are some principles that I think will be helpful to you and to anyone who has witnessed a similar situation where an elder appears to be financially abused.

While this does not fall into the category of fraud, it is particularly hard to watch a family member’s generosity being misused. It is a difficult situation for you to be in. Let’s look at some principles and then determine whom you should speak to and how to address this without condemning your sisters.

What the Bible Says

It is good that your grandmother wants to help. The Bible encourages generosity. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” God honors a willing and open heart, but discernment must be exercised. Scripture calls us to give and care for others while wisely stewarding resources. That involves setting healthy boundaries.

Generosity was never meant to enable dependency when someone is capable of taking on responsibility for themselves. The Apostle Paul addresses this issue directly in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” This is not meant to be harsh. It clarifies the difference between helping someone in genuine need and supporting someone who avoids responsibility. When generosity becomes enabling, it can harm the person you think you are helping.

You do not indicate whether this generosity is harming your grandmother’s finances. Regardless, God entrusts us to manage what He provides. Luke 16:10 reminds us that faithfulness in small things matters, including time, energy, and finances. When a relationship is draining resources in an unhealthy way, it is time to reevaluate whether you are actually helping.

Boundaries are not unloving. They are often necessary to truly help in the spirit of love.  Galatians 6:2 says to “carry each other’s burdens.” Then, in verse 5, it says each person should “carry their own load.” Both are true depending on the specific circumstances. We help to relieve a burden but not to carry what someone else is responsible for long-term.

How You Can Help

Practically, this may mean having an honest, respectful conversation with your grandmother. Keep your sisters out of it, and speak to her about your concerns for her well-being.

First, express your concern for her. Try to determine if she is giving out of love or out of guilt, pressure, or fear of conflict. Second Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that giving should be done willingly, not reluctantly or under compulsion. Ask if she would like you to help her set limits on what she can and cannot continue to provide. My guess is she may be giving to many others who ask and not just your sisters.

Demonstrate how she can lovingly decline the requests while also offering guidance, accountability, or temporary assistance with clear expectations. Present options that the church, city, or county offers in the way of financial help for family members if cutting them off entirely seems inappropriate.

Finally, help her trust God with the outcome. She is not the ultimate provider for your sisters. God is. Help her understand that setting boundaries is not abandoning someone. It is trusting God to work in that person’s life, even in the discomfort and change. It is commonly called “tough love,” but it is actually just expecting others to grow up and take responsibility for their finances.

Teach Them A Better Way

The solution isn’t just protecting your grandmother’s finances; it is also a matter of helping those who keep asking her for money with building skills, confidence, and accountability. With the right support and a willingness to grow, most people find dignity in living free of the handouts of others.

If your sisters are truly struggling with their finances, offer to help them learn to manage their finances. Some people genuinely struggle to grow up and live independently, and it’s rarely caused by just one issue. More often, it’s a combination of things that causes financial problems: bad habits or addictions, entitlement, incorrect mindset, lack of direction, or mental health issues.

Many in today’s culture face financial instability. Housing and medical costs, debt, and inconsistent income can make financial independence feel out of reach. A person who does not know how to budget, save, or manage money well, even with a steady income, can struggle to make ends meet.

Some people are held back because they lack life skills. Managing bills, buying groceries, preparing meals, maintaining a home, or handling unexpected expenses are not always taught. Without those skills, independence can feel overwhelming. When someone lacks confidence or self-discipline, they may struggle to move forward. Years of bad habits like overspending, procrastination, or avoiding accountability only reinforce that cycle.

Scripture speaks to both responsibility and growth. Proverbs consistently highlights diligence and planning, while Galatians 6:5 reminds us that each person is responsible for their own load.

I hope the conversation with your grandmother goes well and you can be a catalyst for change to help your sisters become better stewards of their finances as well.

Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help your family find financial freedom. Learn how to be a faithful financial steward of the resources God provides.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on May 29, 2026.

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Have you ever written anything to address the “financial grumblers”? I don’t think they know their Bible very well. 

Call Out the Financial Grumblers 

Dear Call Out the Financial Grumblers, 

Not only have I never written on this topic, but I have also never heard the term before. I quickly thought of the verse you may be referring to when you use the term: 

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ 

Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”

Philippians 2:14–15 NIV

Grumbling and Consumer Sentiment

Grumbling is defined as the “act of complaining, muttering, or murmuring in a low-toned, discontented, or bad-tempered way.” It can be expressed in our words and deeds. No doubt, many Americans are concerned about the high cost of housing, education, and health care. Others struggle with the cost of food, child care, or new cars. The media fuels the discontent. Now they are focused on new worries over soaring oil prices. One writer coined the term “Boomcession” because, by most metrics, the economy is growing, but the average American says they feel little to no benefit. 

Grumbling in Scripture

Grumbling reveals a distrust of God’s goodness and a dissatisfaction with His provision. 

The Old Testament describes Israel’s grumbling even after God delivered them from slavery through astonishing miracles under the leadership of Moses. He parted the Red Sea, provided manna from Heaven, and brought water from the rock. Yet the people complained about food and yearned for their lives back in Egypt. They even questioned whether God was with them. Their complaints were essentially saying, “God is not enough. His provision is insufficient. His plan is flawed.” This constant barrage of negativity amounted to what you have termed “financial grumbling.”

Grumbling Among the Suffering

Financial stress, uncertainty, lack of opportunity, and daily hardship create real suffering for many. Scripture never minimizes the reality of material need. God consistently shows compassion toward the poor and commands His people to care for them.

The temptation is to believe that God has forgotten them or is withholding something better. Comparison only deepens the wound, which can shift dependence on God’s goodness to bitterness from His seeming inaction.

Yet contentment is not dependent on circumstance. Contentment is learned, cultivated, and rooted in confidence that God’s presence is greater than material provision. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, declared that he had learned to be content in plenty and in want. (See Philippians 4:11–12.)

Grumbling often springs from fear of not having enough. The remedy is not denial of hardship but trust that God will provide. Jesus taught His disciples to pray: “Give us this day our daily bread.” Trust grows in daily dependence. Our faithful Savior, the Bread of Life, provides for us in ways we often fail to notice.

Grumbling Among the Wealthy

Those with abundance may grumble about non-performing investments, fear of loss, or economic downturns. They complain about taxes, inconveniences, lost status, or someone having more. When prosperity occurs, it often leads to ever-increasing expectations for more. 

Instead of grumbling about survival, they grumble about comfort. Trust in God’s provision can subtly shift to portfolios and net worth. Gratitude fades, and entitlement grows. 

Grumbling among the wealthy often reveals misplaced security. Instead of thanking God for abundance, the heart fixates on what is missing. Instead of stewarding resources with joy, one resents the responsibilities that come with them. Even generosity can feel burdensome if the heart is not anchored in gratitude.

The wealthy can easily question God’s goodness when markets dip or opportunities close. Grumbling is not reduced by wealth; it is often what a friend of mine calls “complaining about a high-class problem.”

The Root: A Heart Issue

Grumbling exposes dissatisfaction with God’s sovereignty or our lack of financial faithfulness. It corrodes the soul and is contagious. In the wilderness, a few voices of dissatisfaction stirred an entire nation. Grumbling blinds each day’s mercies. It trains the heart to look for problems. Unless corrected, workplaces, families, churches, and ministries will be shaped by a culture of complaint.

The Remedy: Gratitude and Trust

Here’s our challenge: When tempted to grumble, stop and find a way to turn it into praise. Try turning it around and spreading a positive attitude based on gratitude and trust. 

“Eggs are still so expensive!” → “Thank you, God, that there are eggs to buy!” 

“My electric bill is so high!” → “Thank you, God, for electricity!” 

“I can’t believe how much our stock has fallen!” → “Thank you, God, that we have true riches in Heaven!”

What Action Can I Take?

Those complaining about their financial hardship should stop and take an objective look at their situation. What caused it? Debt? Lifestyle inflation? Idleness? Unrealistic expectations?

Acknowledge when you recognize that you have made financial mistakes, then take corrective action. Seek wise counsel. Take a Crown course. Read books to learn how to increase your income or decrease your expenses. Make a plan to get out of debt. 

Turn to God: Acknowledge His presence and work, even if yet unseen. Recognize His faithfulness, generosity, and sovereignty. Thank Him for daily provision. Consider the gifts He has entrusted to you: health, family, friends, jobs, opportunities, bank accounts, talents, etc.

Ask Him to supply your particular needs and to equip you for the challenges you face: a job, discipline to pay down debt, the ability to make sacrifices today to prepare for tomorrow. 

Remember to take every thought captive. (See Philippians 4:8.) Voice praise instead of complaint. Replace comparison with contentment. Let your painful circumstances deepen your dependence on the Lord. 

After all, grumbling is not about money—it’s about the heart. And when our hearts are resting in Him, we shine like stars in the dark sky. 

Crown has many biblically based, practical, and empowering courses and studies that can help you find freedom in your finances and career. Learn how to be a grateful financial steward of the resources God provides.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on March 6, 2026. 

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